Frenchman Henri Mignet designed the HM.14 Pou du Ciel (Flying Flea) in 1933. He envisioned a simple aircraft that amateurs could build and even teach themselves to fly. In an attempt to render the aircraft stall-proof and safe for amateur pilots, Mignet staggered the two main wings. The HM.14 enjoyed a period of intense popularity in France and England but a series of accidents in 1935-36 permanently blackened the airplane's reputation. Highlighted in this image are the wings of the Mignet HM.14 Pou du Ciel "La Cucaracha."

Created:

January 27, 2009

Photographer:

Dan Patterson

ID#:

NASM2019-00600

Source:

Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum

Owner:

Smithsonian Institution

Rights Usage:

CC0 (Open Access)

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Smithsonian Terms of Use

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